Carbondale Reporter

Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met June 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A regular meeting of the Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 was held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM at The John Major Learning Center, 1150 E. Grand Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901.

1. Roll Call:

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Mr. Corey Cawthon, President

Ms. Catherine Field, Vice President

Ms. Imani McHenry, Secretary

Dr. Renada Greer

Mr. Marshall Hunt

Mr. John Major

Ms. Tangela Oliver

Administrators present:

Ms. Janice Pavelonis, Superintendent

Ms. Janiece Blake, Chief School Business Official

Ms. Brooke Kensler, Director of Special Education

Ms. Michelle Martin, Director of Date, Reporting and Programs

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION 6:02 PM

Roll Call:

Mr. Corey Cawthon, President

Ms. Catherine Field, Vice President

Ms. Imani McHenry, Secretary

Dr. Renada Greer

Mr. Marshall Hunt

Mr. John Major

Ms. Tangela Oliver

Field moved, seconded by Greer to enter Executive Session at 6:02 PM for the purpose of discussing performance, evaluation and compensation of specific personnel matters, matters relating to student discipline, matters relating to collective bargaining, and matters relating to pending litigation. No decisions were made, and no votes were taken.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Cawthon, Greer, McHenry, Major, Oliver, Hunt

No votes: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

Executive Session adjourned at 7:14 PM.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Greer, McHenry, Cawthon, Major, Oliver, Hunt

No: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

Public Hearing to Adopt FY25 Amended Budget

A Public Hearing started at 7:21pm to Adopt the FY25 Amended Budget. Janiece Blake, CSBO reviewed the amended budget that had been on display since May 20th. The amended budget has not changed since it was posted, so the budget that is included in your packet is the same as what was provided last month. Fund 10 revenue and expenditures were adjusted for “on behalf” payments related to the district’s pension obligation with TRS. Those amounts have a zero net effect on the education fund balance. Fund 30 required an adjustment to account for additional expense of $1.1 million dollars related to payments for the solar project. For those of you who were on the board at the time the project was implemented, the project was slated to essentially pay for itself with SREC’s, rebates, and tax credits. There was some uncertainty about the timing of the credits, but we did in fact receive SREC payments that allowed us to pay more than what was required to be paid. Page 22 contains the deficit budget summary information. The deficit budget summary calculation subtotals the operating funds net position. Operating funds are funds 10, 20, 40, and 70. Based on the information presented in this budget the district is projected to book a surplus this fiscal year.

Motion by Greer, seconded by Oliver to close the Public Hearing at 7:26pm.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Greer, McHenry, Cawthon, Major, Oliver, Hunt

No: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

3. Public Comments

4. Approval of Agenda

Field moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the Agenda.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Greer, McHenry, Cawthon, Major, Oliver, Hunt

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

5. Consent Agenda Items

Greer moved, seconded by Major, Recommend approving Consent Agenda Items, 5.1 Minutes, 5.2-Financial Reports and 5.3-Communications

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry, Major, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

5.1 Minutes

5.11 Regular – May 20, 2025

5.12 Executive – May 20, 2025

5.13 Special – May 28, 2025

5.14 Special – June 12, 2025

5.2 Financial Reports

5.21 Approval of Bills

5.22 Treasurer’s Report

5.23 Revenue Report

5.24 Expenditure Report

5.25 Activity Fund Reports

5.3 Communications

5.31 FOIA – 5/22/25 Data Branch requested a spreadsheet of purchase orders from January 1, 2020 to present day for research and informational purposes.

5.32 Donations – None

6. Committee Reports COMMITTEE REPORTS 6.1 6.11 Communication Report

President’s Remarks – Corey Cawthon

President Cawthon referenced the pictures and videos from the Foundation Grant Reports for the 2024-2025 school year and what a great experience it is for the kids.

President Cawthon also gave kudos to Brad Isom and his staff on getting the buildings ready for the upcoming school year in such a timely manner.

6.2 Committee Reports

6.21 Behavioral Interventions Committee – No Report

6.22 Building and Transportation Committee – No Report

6.23 Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee – No Report

6.24 Policy Committee – John Major

• The committee met on June 17, 2025

• Reviewed Press Policies 118 for a 1st Reading

• Discussed 25-26 Handbooks revisions that will be recommended for board approval.

6.25 Fundraising Development Committee - No Report

6.3 Administrative Staff Reports

6.31 Director of Special Education – Brooke Kensler

Community Schools Update

As we close out our first year of asset mapping and needs assessment, we are now entering the next phase—implementation. This is where we begin putting services and supports directly in place for our students and families. It’s a major milestone, and we’re looking forward to the impact this next chapter will bring.

Our Family Resource Coordinators have been working hard this summer alongside Sherry Wyatt to implement our summer meals program. With support from Blake Ryan, they put together a short video to highlight this effort (a video was play at the meeting).

They’ve been serving up to 250 meals a day, rain or shine—and that’s impressive. But beyond the numbers, it’s the personal outreach that truly reflects the heart of this work. After noticing that some families who signed up weren’t picking up meals, the team made follow-up calls. Through those calls, they uncovered barriers—like a new mom who had just delivered a baby and couldn’t get to the site. The team found solutions and got meals to her doorstep. Ms. Kensler shared a story of Dr. Ross establishing a connection with one of our future 8th graders…He came to pick up food the first week and she noticed that he had gone directly to the park and started eating. After conversations with him, she learned that he was walking 4 miles to get his breakfast and lunch. She worked with his mom to get him meals that doesn’t require the hours of walking and has formed strong relationship with him and his mom. This is what Community Schools are all about—not just offering resources but also identifying and addressing the barriers that prevent families from accessing them. It’s about relationships, trust, and follow-through and that will have an impact on students and families when they return to school. And that impact won’t stop when summer ends.

We’re finalizing an MOU with the St. Louis Food Bank to provide ongoing food deliveries to our resource centers. This partnership will help us continue supporting families facing food insecurity well into the school year.

We’re currently planning our next Community Schools CIC meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, July 30, from 9 to 11 a.m. You’ll receive official invitations soon, and I encourage you to join us. This gathering will give us an opportunity to reflect on the work done by our advisory committees and school councils, and to update our community partners as we shift into action.

6.32 Chief School Business Official – Janiece Blake

• Summer Meals Program – Thomas School was identified as a school located in a rural area that would allow for grab and go meals per the State Board requirements. Typically, meals would have to be consumed at the school building.

• Property Casualty and Worker’s Compensation Insurance – Action items on tonight’s agenda for approval for the 2025-2026 school year. Ms. Blake reviewed the renewal cost of both policies.

• Treasurer’s Bond – Ms. Blake is the district’s treasurer. The renewal amount for the premium is $2,500 for 3,000,000 in coverage for the 2025-2026 school year. The purpose of the bond is to protect the district from financial losses.

• Thomas Playground – Requesting the board to approve an additional $34,000 to install turf to an additional area on the playground for a second play pod structure.

• District Summer Cleaning – Ms. Blake gave an update on the summer cleaning/furniture moving per building. Kudos to Brad Isom and his team!

• CMS Gym Floor – The floor graphics are completed. Ms. Blake shared a photo of the finished product.

6.33 Director of Data, Reporting, and Programs – Michelle Martin

• School Improvement Plans - Each year, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requires districts that received targeted or comprehensive designations to create school improvement plans. To comply with state regulations, these plans must be board approved and submitted to the state. Building administrators worked at the end of the school year to create their building plans to align with the district vision and strategic plan. These plans are included in your board packet and on the agenda for approval. Do you have any questions about these plans?

• Consolidated District Plan - The Illinois State Board of Education requires all districts to complete a set of planning questions to meet the requirements for all federal formula grants for the fiscal year 2026. This requirement has remained the same for several years. A copy of the plan was enclosed in your board packet to review prior to approval.

• Star Assessment Update - The Star benchmark summary was included in your board packet. This summary provides a snapshot of our Star proficiency data for the year. This report shows the percent of students by grade level in each proficiency level across all three benchmarks.

Celebrations:

Reading - Looking at the increase in the meet and exceed lever seven of nine grade levels showed an increase. 4th & 8th had a decrease in students in the not meeting level.

Math - 1st grade had a 17% increase, 2nd grade 10% increase, and 3rd grade a 9% increase in students in the meet or exceed level. When I looked at our students making expected growth 60% of our students made expected growth in reading and math.

6.34 Superintendent – Janice Pavelonis

• New School Resource Officer – A press release will be sent out introducing Officer Pawel Sawicki.

• PTO Retreat June 28, 2025 – Will discuss the district’s collaboration and vision for the year.

• Hopewell Backpack Giveaway – Working with Pastor Swims on the upcoming backpack giveaway event on August 2nd. District administration will be onsite to assist with this event.

• Administration Meetings – Met with administrators to reflect on the closing year and the upcoming new year. Administrator’s will start back on July 25th.

• Shout Outs to the Following – Facilities and Technology for the summer projects being ahead of schedule. The Community Schools for the summer meals program. Melody and Michelle for Professional Development opportunities and Technology training.

• Joint Annual Conference – Reminder to Board Members if they are planning to attend, please contact Jerri.

6.4 Faculty Council Report – Jennifer Burke, President

• No Report

7. Old Business - None OLD BUSINESS 7.1 Action to Adopt FY25 Amended Budget

Greer moved, seconded by Major, Recommend approving the Amended Budget for FY25 as presented.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Hunt, Oliver, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8. New Business

8.1 First Reading of Press Policy 118: Draft Updates

2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure

4:15 Identity Protection

4:80 Accounting and Audits

5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment

5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited

5:60 Expenses

5:100 Staff Development Program

6:150 Home and Hospital Instruction

6:235 Access to Electronic Networks

7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities

7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited

7:60 Residence

7:70 Attendance and Truancy

7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment

7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

7:190 Student Behavior

7:200 Suspension Procedures

7:210 Expulsion Procedures

7:250 Student Support Services

7:270 Administering Medicines to Students

7:310 Restrictions on Publications: Elementary Schools

7:340 Student Records

No Action Taken

8.2 First Reading of Press Policy 118: Draft Updates – Rewritten 2:265 Title IX Grievance Procedure

No Action Taken

8.3 First Reading of Press Policy 118: Draft Updates – New 7:255 Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence

No Action Taken

8.4 Action on Classified Personnel

8.41 Action on Resignations

Field moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the resignation of Kia Jackson, Library Aide at Lewis School effective May 27, 2025, Kesiena Obue, Instructional Aide at Parrish School effective June 5, 2025, Kyah Franks, Instructional Aide at Parrish School effective June 5, 2025, and Emily Kersten, Instructional Aide at Parrish School effective June 5, 2025.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Oliver, Hunt, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.42 Employment of Paraprofessionals

Field moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend approving the employment of the of the following paraprofessionals for the 2025-2026 school year, pending a clear CBI.

Colleen Springer-Lopez – Reading Interventionist Aide at Parrish School.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Oliver, Hunt, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.43 Employment of Summer Technology Worker

Field moved, seconded Greer, Recommend approving the summer employment of Reese Conkle in the Technology Department retroactive effective July 10, 2025, pending a clear CBI.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Greer, Oliver, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.44 Employment of Classified Substitutes

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend approving the employment of Emily Kersten to be placed on the classified substitute list as a substitute paraprofessional to be used on an as needed basis effective the 2025-2026 school year.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Oliver, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry, Hunt

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.45 Employment of Cook’s Helper

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend approving the employment of Tiffany Nelson as a Cook’s Helper at Carbondale Middle School effective the 2025-2026 school year, pending a clear CBI.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Greer, Cawthon, Hunt, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.46 Employment of Parent Educator

Oliver moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the employment of Heather Taylor as a Birth to Three Parent Educator for the 2025-2026 school year, pending a clear CBI.

Roll Call Vote

8

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Major, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.47 Action on Exempt Employees Salary Increase

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend approving the non-certified staff increase of 4.75% based on the staff salary schedule for the following positions retroactive effective July 1, 2025:

Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent

Director of Food Services

Director of Maintenance

Technology Coordinator

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry, Oliver, Hunt No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.48 Employment of Head Cook

Greer moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the employment of Stefanie Benefield as the Head Cook at Lewis School effective the 2025-2026 school year, pending a clear CBI.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Greer, Hunt, Cawthon, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.5 Action on Certified Personnel

8.51 Action on Resignations

Field moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the resignation of Jessica Murphy, Music Teacher, effective June 6, 2025 and Angela Hargrave, Special Education Teacher at Carbondale Middle School effective the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Greer, Hunt, Cawthon, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.52 Employment of CES95 Faculty

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend the employment of the following certified staff for the 2025-2026 school year, pending a clear CBI:

Lindsay Nelson – ELA Teacher at Carbondale Middle School

Sean Dugan-Strout – 2nd Grade Teacher at Thomas School

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Greer, Cawthon, Major, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.53 Employment of Special Assignments

Greer moved, seconded by McHenry, Recommend approving the following special assignments for the 2025-2026 school year.

Parrish School

Anne Kaszubski – Conservation Cats

Thomas School

Alexa Chamberlin – Student Council

Amy Britt-Simpson – Conservation Cats

Brooke Crombar – Student Council

Carbondale Middle School

Ali Epplin – Yearbook Sponsor

Michaela Noblet – Scholar Bowl Sponsor

Melinda Elliott – Scholar Bowl Sponsor

Heather Melton – Beta Club Sponsor

Robyn Davis – Social Worker Team Leader

Yvonne Windings – Science Team Leader

Heather Melton – Math Team Leader

Stefanie Peck – ELA Team Leader

Adam Webb – Special Education Team Leader

Ashtyn Toliver – Head Girls Volleyball Coach

Kori Hannah – Assistant Girls Volleyball Coach

Craig Cobb – Head Boys Baseball Coach

Caleb Cobb – Head Boys Basketball Coach

Larry Wood – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach

Brent Jackson – Head Cross Country Track Coach

Bethany Jenkins – Assistant Cross Country Track Coach

Dawn Seward – Head Girls Basketball Coach

Dawn Seward – Head Girls Softball Coach

Leah Flores – Assistant Girls Softball Coach

James Barton – Athletic Director

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Greer, Cawthon, Major, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.54 Employment of Assistant Principal

Field moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend approving the employment of Jaclyn Robertson as an Assistant Principal at Carbondale Middle School effective July 1, 2025 for the 2025- 2026 school year.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry, Hunt, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.3 Action on St. Louis Foodbank Partner Agreement

Oliver moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the Partner Agreement with the St. Louis Area Foodbank and Carbondale Elementary School District to partner in the shared work to enhance the vision of a nutritionally secure Missouri and Illinois through community collaborations that will work together to identify and better serve children, individuals, families, seniors, and veterans throughout our twenty-six county territory in Missouri and Illinois.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Oliver, Major, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.4 Action on Parent-Student Handbook

Field moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the Parent-Student Handbook for the 2025-2026 school year as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Greer, Major, Oliver, Cawthon, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

11

Motion carried.

10.5 Action on Athletic Handbook for Students

Oliver moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the Athletic Handbook for the Students for the 2025-2026 school year as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Major, Oliver, Field, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry, Hunt

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.6 Action on Coaches Handbook

Greer moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the Coaches Handbook for the 2025-2026 school year as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Cawthon, Greer, Hunt, Field, McHenry, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.7 Action on Consolidated District Plan

Major moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend approving the Consolidated District Plan as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Cawthon, Greer, Hunt, Field, McHenry, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.8 Action on School Improvement Plan

Field moved, seconded by Major, Recommend approving the School Improvement Plans for Parrish, Thomas, Lewis, and Carbondale Middle School as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Cawthon, Greer, Hunt, Field, McHenry, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.9 Action on Intergovernmental Agreement between COPE/Safe Schools Program and Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Greer moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between COPE/Safe Schools Program and Carbondale Elementary School District #95.

Carbondale Elementary School District #95 will be responsible for student transportation, pay a fee of $25 per day of enrollment for students from the district and allow students to re-enter the regular education environment with credits/grades earned when the COPE/Safe School Program is successfully completed.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Cawthon, Greer, Hunt, Field, McHenry, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.10 Action on Intergovernmental Agreement between SOAR Alternative Educational Program and Carbondale Elementary

School District #95

Oliver moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between SOAR Alternative

Educational Program and Carbondale Elementary School District #95. Carbondale Elementary School District #95 will pay a $25 fee per day of enrollment for each student from the district, be responsible for student transportation to and from Project SOAR and allow the student to re-enter the regular educational environment with credits/grades earned when the Project SOAR Alternative Education Program is successfully completed.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Cawthon, Greer, Hunt, Field, McHenry, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.11 Action on Property/Casualty Insurance

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend approving the purchase of Property/Casualty Insurance with Prairie State Insurance Cooperative in the amount of $179,934.16 with the coverage date of 07/01/2025 to 07/01/2026.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Cawthon, Greer, Hunt, Field, McHenry, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.12 Action on Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Greer moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the purchase of Worker’s Compensation Insurance with Prairie State Insurance Cooperative in the amount of $95,660.32.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Cawthon, Greer, Hunt, Field, McHenry, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.13 Action on Treasurer’s Bond

Oliver moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the Treasurer’s Bond renewal in the amount of $3,000,000 with M&M Insurance Agency, Inc. underwritten by Ohio Casualty Insurance Company with the coverage date of 07/01/2025 to 07/01/2026 at a cost of $2,500.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Cawthon, Greer, Hunt, Field, McHenry, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.14 Action on Thomas School Playground Addition

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend approving the bid from Hutchinson Recreation in the amount of $34,109 to add turf to an additional area on the playground at Thomas School for a second play pod structure.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Cawthon, Greer, Hunt, Field, McHenry, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

11 Next Scheduled Meetings:

11.1 Thursday, July 24, 2025

Regular Board Meeting (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

The John Major Learning Center

CES95 Administrative Center

1150 E. Grand Avenue, Suite 2

Carbondale, IL 62901

6:00 PM

6:05 PM Motion and Roll Call Vote to go into Executive Session (CLOSED) for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the performance, evaluation and compensation of specific personnel, matters relating to student discipline, matters relating to collective bargaining, and matters relating to pending litigation.

7:00 PM Reconvene Regular Board Meeting Public Session

12. Public Comments - None

13. Adjournment

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend Adjournment at 8:24 PM.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Cawthon, Field, Greer, McHenry, Hunt, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

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